"Montreuil is a chance! »Tricolor scarf over the shoulder, the outgoing mayor (PCF) Patrice Bessac shines and hammers his campaign slogan. It is 10:50 p.m. and the 41-year-old councilor is reappointed in the first round with 51.35% of the vote. The context is particular since abstention peaks at 66.33%. A record in Montreuil.
Whatever: the victory in the first round is still beautiful, and historic today: "It is the first time, since the start of the Fifth Republic, that a mayor was elected in the first round in Montreuil", breathes a close to the city councilor.
Patrice Bessac takes the news: he stands straight on the steps of the town hall and addresses the crowd who have defied the ban of the prefecture related to the coronavirus pandemic to listen to the results. The “Bravo! Fuse. The hissing and "houuuu!" " also. The atmosphere is good. Did he believe at the time a few hours ago? No. Cautious, he did not envisage "any prognosis" in the light of the situation, considered "exceptional". Circumstances could create surprise and reshuffle the alliance cards in the second round. There won't be any.
This victory, which thwarts all the polls, is it however the result of a coronavirus effect? The mayor is sweeping the question. “In 2014, I made 18% in the first round. In 2020, 51% in the context of a major crisis during which we assumed our responsibilities ”. Bessac is exhausted, his voice is tired but happy. “This election obliges us: as of tomorrow, I would be in action to be with the caregivers and helpers, and make available the municipal means to help them in the best way. "
Disappointment for environmentalists
In the ranks of the opposition, the blow of the club is terrible. The head of the EELV list, Mireille Alphonse, accuses the blow: “We make 16, 10%, then, of course, it's a disappointment. The ecologists had cherished the dream "of being the first, then thought of being able to weigh in the second round," she concedes. The circumstances were particular and the outgoing bonus took on its full meaning in these circumstances of health crisis. "
It can be comforted: in 2014, the ecological list was 15.7%. The sign that the base of environmentalists is still solid in Montreuil. For Choukri Yonis (DVG), this victory is the result of the health crisis. "The Montreuillois did not want to change crew in the heart of the storm" His list, Movico, made 7%.
Seine-Saint-Denis Newsletter
Every morning, the news of your department seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
In the center, the candidate (DVC) Murielle Mazé does not hide her grief. "I'm collapsed. There will no longer be any opposition to the municipal council. This victory is the result of a violent campaign, marked by acts of intimidation, "she denounces. His list makes 7, 98%. It will have two seats. Patrice Bessac 46, and the ecolos 5, out of a total of 55 seats to be filled.